Nfpa 54, National Fuel Gas Code

FACT SHEET

NFPA 54, NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

What NFPA 54 Covers DID YOU KNOW? NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, is the American National NFPA 54 is not intended to be applied retroactively, unless Standard (ANSI Z223.1) that applies to the installation of the government body adopting the code requires retroactivity. fuel gas piping systems, equipment, and appliances that Any equipment or system complying with the code at the are supplied with natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefied time of installation can be maintained in use as long as the petroleum gas (LP-Gas) in the vapor phase only, LP-Gas–air equipment is not changed significantly. mixtures, mixtures of these gases, and gas–air mixtures in the flammable range. When to Use NFPA 54 The code does not apply to natural gas systems operating at The exhibit pressures over 125 psi (862 kPa), propane systems operating below shows at pressures over 50 psi (345 kPa), or gas–air mixtures how NFPA 54 operating within the flammable range at pressures over interacts with other 10 psi (69 kPa). requirements. The NFPA 54 addresses the following: split (jurisdiction division) between • Piping system design, materials, and components, including NFPA 58 and NFPA valves, expansion, and flexibility (Chapter 5) 54 is shown at the • Piping sizing for applications via tables and equations point of delivery (Chapter 6) of a typical propane supply. The split between NFPA 54 and • Installing pipes, outlets, and inside concealed spaces federal pipeline regulations (49 CFR 192) is shown at the point (Chapter 7) of the delivery of a typical natural gas supply. In most cases only one gas supply will serve a building; however, NFPA 54 does not • Requirements for process air, installation of appliances, prohibit the use of more than one fuel gas in a building. and safety shutoffs (Chapter 9) • Minimum safe performance, general requirements, and specifications for venting (Chapter 12)

NFPA 54

NFPA 58 49 CFR 192

Meter

Finished ground level

From gas main FACT SHEET

NFPA 54, NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE CONTINUED

FAQs

What are some of the major changes to the code Where can information on required clearances for a for 2021? specific appliance be found? Changes for the 2021 edition of NFPA 54 include the following: Listed appliances have a label attached to the appliance that • Engineering methods have been defined to provide users with describes required clearances. The manufacturer’s instructions requirements on what qualifies as an engineering method. will also have this information. Chapter 10 of NFPA 54 provides clearances for some types of unlisted appliances. • Requirements for venting of pressure control devices, such as line pressure regulators, gas appliance regulators, and gas When does gas piping need to have a separate pressure limit controls, have been standardized to provide a bonding connection? singular reference for those installing such devices. Gas piping does not require a separate bonding connection • Point of delivery is defined in Chapter 3 to provide more unless one of the following situations occurs: accurate enforcement of requirements that relate to the point • Where there are gas appliances with electrical connections of delivery. that are connected to ungrounded wiring systems (i.e., two- • A section on electrical isolation has been added to specify pronged plugs) dielectric fittings are to be installed on underground • Where there are sources of high-voltage electricity outside metallic piping at building penetrations but not under the piping system that could energize the gas piping system ground in order to electrically isolate the house for (highly unusual or unlikely) corrosion purposes and keep the dielectric fitting accessible for maintenance. • Where the gas piping material is CSST

• Through-the-wall vent terminal clearances have been revised What does NFPA 54 not cover? to coordinate with applicable ANSI appliance standards as well as provide requirements for commonly encountered NFPA 54 does not apply to portable LP-gas appliances and scenarios so that designers and builders can have one equipment of all types that are not connected to a fixed fuel reference for vent terminal installation. piping system; LP-Gas installations at utility gas plants; fuel gas piping in electric utility power plants; gas piping, meters, Consult NFPA 54 for the complete language of these and other gas pressure regulators, and other appurtenances used by the requirements. serving gas supplier in distribution of gas, other than undiluted LP-Gas; or construction of appliances. See 1.1.1.2 of the code Are gas detectors required in spaces where fuel gas for a list of applications that NFPA 54 does not cover. piping or appliances are installed? NFPA 54 requires combustible gas detectors or indicators For More Information to be used when purging fuel lines or to locate a leak during Visit nfpa.org/54 for more NFPA 54–related information, pressure testing of new or modified gas piping systems, including free access to the full text of the code. but they are not required to be permanently located in any spaces. NFPA currently is developing NFPA 715, Standard Visit catalog.nfpa.org/54 to learn more about the 2021 edition for the Installation of Fuel Gases Detection and Warning of NFPA 54, as well as the National Fuel Gas Code Handbook, Equipment, to provide requirements for safe installation which pairs the complete code text with exhibits, features, and of fuel gas detectors. When completed, this standard will in-depth explanations of requirements from experts in the field. then be used in conjunction with fire and building codes to Visit community.nfpa.org to learn more from industry potentially determine spaces where fuel gas detectors will experts and join the conversation on NFPA Xchange™. be required.

This material contains some basic information about NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code. It identifes some of the requirements in these documents as of the date of publication. This material is not the official position of any NFPA Technical Committee on any referenced

TM topic which is represented solely by the NFPA documents on such topic in their entirety. For free access to the complete and most current version of all NFPA documents, please go to nfpa.org/docinfo. While every effort has been made to achieve a work of high quality, neither the NFPA nor the contributors to this material guarantee the accuracy or completeness of or assume any liability in connection with this information. Neither the NFPA nor the contributors shall be liable for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance upon this material. Neither the NFPA nor the contributors are attempting to render engineering or other professional services. If such services are required, the assistance of a professional should be sought.